Each grid above has 100 boxes. For each grid, the
ratio
of the number of shaded boxes to the total number of boxes can be represented as a fraction.

Comparing Shaded Boxes to Total Boxes

Grid

Ratio

Fraction

1

96 to 100

2

9 to 100

3

77 to 100

We can represent these fractions as percents using the symbol %.

=

96%

=

9%

=

77%

Definition:

A percent is a ratio whose second term is 100. Percent means parts per hundred. The
word comes from the Latin phrase per centum, which means per hundred. In mathematics, we use the
symbol % for percent.

Let's look at our comparison table again. This time the table includes percents.

Comparing Shaded Boxes to Total Boxes

Grid

Ratio

Fraction

Percent

1

96 to 100

96%

2

09 to 100

09%

3

77 to 100

77%

Let's look at some examples in which we are asked to convert between ratios, fractions, decimals and percents.

Example 1:

Write each ratio as a fraction, a decimal, and a percent:
4 to 100, 63 to 100, 17 to 100

Solution

Ratio

Fraction

Decimal

Percent

04 to 100

.04

04%

63 to 100

.63

63%

17 to 100

.17

17%

Example 2:

Write each percent as a ratio, a fraction in lowest terms, and a decimal:
24%, 5%, 12.5%

Solution

Percent

Ratio

Fraction

Decimal

24%

24 to 100

.240

05%

05 to 100

.050

12.5%

12.5 to 100

.125

Example 3:

Write each percent as a decimal:
91.2%, 4.9%, 86.75%

Solution

Percent

Decimal

91.2%

.9120

04.9%

.0490

86.75%

.8675

Summary:

A percent is a ratio whose second term is 100. Percent means parts per
hundred and we use the symbol % to represent it. In this lesson, we learned how to
convert between ratios, fractions, decimals and percents.

Exercises

Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer
is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, choose a different button.